U.S. Representative Greg Steube of Florida recently introduced the Keep Food Local & Affordable Act to combat the recent rise in food prices due to historic labor shortages and inflation. This legislation would implement a temporary stay on the H-2A adverse effect wage rate (AEWR) for states struggling to find domestic workers. The H-2A program allows temporary foreign workers in …
Fertilization Splitting Helps With HLB
Researchers at the University of Florida have found a way to manage groves infected with HLB by managing the timing of their fertilization. By splitting the application of nutrients to citrus rootstocks, they have been able to improve plant growth and fruit yields. The research was recently published in Soil Science Society of America Journal. Alisheikh Atta and his colleagues …
Fertilization Methods: Pros and Cons
Brandon White with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences discussed the pros and cons of several types and methods of citrus fertilization at Citrus Nutrition Day on Oct. 26. The event was held at the Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred, Florida. White recently became the new commercial fruit crop agent for Florida’s Lake …
Making Sense of Biologicals: Seaweed for Citrus Stress Management
Florida provides an environment conducive to producing a variety of crops 365 days a year. It has beautiful sunshine, an ideal climate and ample rainfall for most of the year. These conditions allow Florida growers to produce some of the best citrus in the world. But Florida citrus is not immune to the harsh realities that can come with growing …
Regular Leaf Nutrient Analysis Improves HLB-Affected Trees
By Tripti Vashisth and Davie Kadyampakeni Nutrition management is complex! Multiple factors affect the nutrient uptake and availability in trees. For example, high soil pH can limit the uptake of soil-applied micronutrients such as zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn). Oxide forms of nutrients might be less available than nitrate or sulfur forms. Moreover, the time and method of nutrient application …
Cover Crops Can Benefit Citrus
Cover crops, which are not planted for harvest and sale, offer numerous potential benefits to Florida citrus growers. The benefits and additional information were addressed in a presentation offered at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) booth at Citrus Expo in August. The crops can improve the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil. …
Florida Citrus BMPs: Update and Suggestions
Work on finalizing a newly revised citrus best management practices (BMPs) manual has slowed, and that’s a good thing, according to Highlands County Citrus Growers Association (HCCGA) Executive Director Ray Royce. In a recent HCCGA newsletter article, he stated that a number of issues, especially related to nutrient management and application efficiency, need to be better understood. “It is the …
Impact of High-Density Planting and Enhanced Nutrition on HLB-Affected Grapefruit
By Rhuanito S. Ferrarezi, Waqar Shafqat, Hernan Soto, Mark Ritenour, Lorenzo Rossi,Davie Kadyampakeni, Evan Johnson and Kelly Morgan Florida citrus growers have been using high-density planting and different soil and foliar fertilizer application strategies to compensate for the adverse effects of huanglongbing (HLB). Recent studies indicate that high-density plantings and enhanced nutritional programs with higher micronutrient levels, such as the …
What CRAFT Wants for Cycle III
Five Citrus Research and Field Trial (CRAFT) Technical Working Group leaders on Aug. 31 discussed the types of projects they’d like to see CRAFT Cycle III growers pursue. The types of projects the leaders expressed interest in will, to some extent, fill gaps in knowledge expected to be gained from previous cycles. CRAFT pays Florida growers to plant trees on …
Technologies for Improved Nutrient Analysis
By Yiannis Ampatzidis and Ute Albrecht Nutrient management is important for citrus production. Regular nutrient assessments should be conducted to optimize nutrient balance and prevent deficiencies or over-fertilization. Optimizing nutrition is important for tree health and can improve tolerance to stresses and diseases. Good nutrient management requires regular field monitoring to identify problems and examine crop responses. Leaves need to …
Navel Oranges: Current Status and Future in Florida
By Pete Spyke and Bill Castle Navel oranges are fairly tolerant of HLB, are popular and easy to sell, and offer a stable source of income that is only marginally related to worldwide supply and demand. Nevertheless, the Florida navel orange industry has experienced some tough times recently. Growers are questioning whether it is possible to grow navel oranges profitably …
Grower: Young Trees Look ‘Outstanding’
In the face of production declines, pest issues and other challenges, multi-county Florida citrus grower David Wheeler of Wheeler Farms found something positive to report. “One bright spot is the health of our young trees,” he said. “They look outstanding and have been on a good program with a rotation of insecticides.” Wheeler Farms’ more mature citrus trees aren’t doing …
Valencia Grove Design Research Earns Award
Scientists who showed that high-density plantings yield considerably more Valencia oranges, among other findings, have been honored by the American Society for Horticultural Science. Researchers Rhuanito “Johnny” Ferrarezi, Mark Ritenour and Alan Wright won the society’s Outstanding Fruit Publication Award. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences researchers work at the Indian River Research and Education Center …
Before You Spray
By Matt Smith Editor’s note: This article grants one continuing education unit (CEU) in the Core category toward the renewal of a Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services restricted-use pesticide license when the accompanying test is submitted and approved. We often think about pesticide safety and best management practices when we are in the field spraying. You’re outside, you’re …
PIECES OF THE PAST: The ‘Plymouth Rock’ of Citrus
I recently acquired a visitor’s guide for Plymouth Citrus Products Cooperative. The guide invited visitors to tour the cooperative’s facilities located in where else but Plymouth, Florida, which is between Orlando and Leesburg. According to the guide, the cooperative provided “quality canned and frozen citrus products, citrus pulp and molasses.” Visitors were encouraged to take a guided tour that showcased …
Indian River Millennium Block Shows Rootstock Effects
By Rhuanito S. Ferrarezi, J. Martin Zapien-Macias, Mac Hossain, Tom James, Ronald D. Cave, Peter Spyke, William S. Castle, Jude W. Grosser, Fred Gmitter and Ed Stover In the last decade, huanglongbing (HLB) has reduced production of Florida grapefruit by 75%, mandarin by 78% and sweet orange by 52%. This decrease is significant for the Indian River District, which produces …
Growers Benefit From Citrus Nutrition Box Program
Florida growers participating in the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) citrus nutrition box program have found great value in the program. Now in its second year of operation, the program provides free soil and leaf testing as well as tailored quarterly nutritional counseling. These free boxes of materials and instructions are distributed to registered growers …
Root Depth Isn’t What It Used To Be
By Evan Johnson, Tanyaradzwa Chinyukwi, Lorenzo Rossi and Davie Kadyampakeni Huanglongbing’s (HLB) detrimental effect on roots has changed how we think about root health and horticultural management of citrus in Florida. As part of the work studying nutritional responses described in Effect of Nutrients on Canopy Response and Yield, we are studying the effects of macronutrient and micronutrient fertilization on …
Effect of Nutrients on Canopy Response and Yield
By Davie Kadyampakeni, Tanyaradzwa Chinyukwi, Alan Wright and Rhuanito Ferrarezi The development of an efficient nutrition program for citrus trees provides the essential elements for optimum tree growth and yield. Tree performance is reduced when an essential element is deficient, while an excessive amount leads to plant toxicity and hinders overall tree performance. In citrus production, adequate fertilization rates help …
Optimizing Irrigation and Young Tree Management
By Davie Kadyampakeni and Sandra Guzmán Young citrus trees require optimal irrigation management for vigorous vegetative growth, leaf flushing and the establishment of a dense canopy. Poor practices such as infrequent irrigation or not using irrigation scheduling tools could be costly. Young tree growth also could be impacted by excessive water and nutrient losses. Crop water stress in young trees …